Priyanka Chopra, who has inked a deal with world's leading record label, is writing and singing for her international debut album

Priyanka Chopra, who won the Best Actress National Award for the film Fashion a couple of years ago, is expanding her horizons as an artiste.

She'll soon make her international debut as a singer, having inked a recording agreement with the world's leading music company Universal Music Group, and the premiere East-West fusion entertainment platform, Desi Hits.

To add to that, her music career will be managed by Troy Carter, CEO of Atom Factory, who also manages Lady Gaga's work.

Apart from singing in English, Priyanka, who trained in western classical during her teens, will also be writing the lyrics for her pop album.

Terming her newest achievement 'a long cherished dream which has finally come true, the actor said, "I'm truly excited to have an opportunity to present my musical dimension on a world platform.

I'm privileged to be a part of the Universal Music - Desi Hits family and to be working with some of the most illustrious names in the music industry." She added that it's a fascinating new experience and she's thoroughly enjoying the journey.

Just like Rome wasn't built in a day, Priyanka's music deal is the result of meetings and efforts that began last year. "Music composers such as Vishal-Shekhar, Salim-Sulaiman want me to sing.

However, it was Salim, who called one day, saying that Universal wants to meet me, " she recalled, revealing that things had been finalised earlier this year. "But I was waiting for the right time to talk about it, " Chopra admitted.

Practice is the key

Never the one to rest on her laurels, the actor-turned-singer is not relying on her training in western classical alone for her album. Currently shooting for Kunal Kohli's next romantic saga, Priyanka is ensuring she gets plenty of practice for her album.

"Any kind of singer needs vocal strength, so I'm working on developing that, " conceded the actor who spends considerable time on her vocal lessons, besides writing for her music as well.

Priyanka told us that she's already finished recording a couple of tracks, but declined to share any details at this point in time. "The album will represent me, my thoughts and ideas. It has a bunch of diverse songs, I might also incorporate a ballad, " is all she's willing to reveal for now.

Not stressing herself too much over completing the album within an early deadline, she kept the names of other collaborating artistes, a secret.

Asked if she'll work with Lady Gaga, who has been going gaga over her, in the western media, she said, "She's a very sweet person and an immensely talented singer. I'm looking forward to meeting her when she comes."

Interestingly, the actor has no plans of singing for any of her films, as yet, whether it's her forthcoming releases like RA.One, Don 2 and Agneepath, or the under-production ventures helmed by Anurag Basu and Kunal Kohli.

"I'm only acting in my movies, and singing for my album, " she concluded, before being summoned for her next shot.